NFL's best edge rushers of 2012

Suspension might be only thing that can curb Von Miller in 2013

US PresswireVon Miller and Aldon Smith are two of PFF's Top 10 edge rushers.

Last year at Pro Football Focus we graded some spectacular performances. So to give you a glimpse of what really stood out we're highlighting the top 10 players at positions, giving a little explanation on why they were ranked and what to expect going forward.

The edge rushers take center stage here as we've put together 4-3 defensive ends and 3-4 outside linebackers. The positions aren't completely identical in our grading system, so we've created a common ground to cross-compare the players, while we've added Von Miller into this category as the best description of what he does.

Analysis: Suspension controversy aside, Miller was in a league of his own as far as edge rushers go. He turned his 436 pass rushing snaps into 86 combined sacks, hits and hurries as right tackles struggled to slow him down. More than just a pass-rusher, he finished with 15 tackles for a loss -- the third-most of all defensive players.

Trending: Given his suspension, it's going to be nigh on impossible for Miller to match those season totals. That said, for the games he is on the field, there's no reason to believe he won't be as productive, even with extra attention pushed his way following the departure of Elvis Dumervil.

For the rest of PFF's analysis on the NFL's top edge rushers, and every other position, sign up for Insider today.